Chivu: ‘Inter show of maturity, neutralised Ajax strengths’ | OneFootball

Cristian Chivu saw Inter’s 2-0 Champions League victory away to Ajax as a ‘show of maturity’ and was impressed with Francesco Pio Esposito.

The Nerazzurri badly needed this booster after coming off back-to-back Serie A defeats to Udinese and Juventus.

Above all, it was Marcus Thuram’s night, scoring with two headers from Hakan Calhanoglu corners at the Johan Cruijff Arena in Amsterdam to seal the 2-0 victory.

Chivu hails Inter response to recent setbacks

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS – SEPTEMBER 17: Marcus Thuram of Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with team mates during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between AFC Ajax and FC Internazionale Milano at Johan Cruijff Arena on September 17, 2025 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

“It is important for the work that the lads are doing, they were close before, and tonight was a show of maturity,” Chivu told Sky Sport Italia.

“We tried to neutralise Ajax’s strengths, which included their passing in the final third, and only allowed them to pass the ball in areas we were comfortable. We tried to stay in their half, recover the ball as quickly as possible, and immediate go with vertical passes. It went well.”

Their mood was even more damaged by the absence of captain and talisman Lautaro Martinez, who was only fit for a spot on the bench due to a back issue, but 20-year-old Pio Esposito filled in admirably.

“As I said a few weeks ago, he is a striker that the Italy team and Inter will certainly enjoy for a long time to come.”

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS – SEPTEMBER 17: Mika Godts of AFC Ajax runs with the ball during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between AFC Ajax and FC Internazionale Milano at Johan Cruijff Arena on September 17, 2025 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

Check the Football Italia Player Ratings for Ajax 0-2 Inter

Inter chased Ademola Lookman throughout the summer, but after failing to prise him away from Atalanta, opted to stick with the 3-5-2 formation that Simone Inzaghi had used for so many years.

“I did want to stay with the 3-5-2, because this is what the team knows how to do. We just wanted to add a few things, but above all to rediscover the mental strength and confidence that had been lacking,” added Chivu.

“I continue along my path, trying not to do damage to a team that was already strong.”

Chivu had resisted pressure to drop Yann Sommer and it proved a wise move, as the goalkeeper made a crucial save just moments before the opening Inter goal.